Nao Saeki

Birthday: February 6th

Nao carries the heavy weight of the past, which has fostered a complex, self-deprecating personality. He is consumed by guilt, believing his very existence is what destroyed Hajime Aono's family.

This inner turmoil made him hesitant to reveal his identity to Hajime, even after they met. Despite his quiet suffering, he possesses a fiercely competitive spirit, especially when it comes to his violin skills against Hajime's. After their emotional confrontation, he begins to open up and show his more honest, straightforward side.

Nao is the son of a renowned soprano singer and the world-famous violinist, Ryuuji Aono. This makes him the younger half-brother of the series' protagonist, Hajime Aono.

He spent his childhood in Germany until the age of 12 before moving to Japan to live with his maternal grandmother after his grandfather passed away. Shortly after his return, the media exposed his parents' affair, creating a massive scandal that shattered the Aono family. This event traumatized Nao, leading him to internalize the blame and develop a deep-seated self-loathing.

Musical Prowess

Nao is an exceptionally gifted violinist, often described as a prodigy. He began playing at the tender age of four and has honed his skills ever since.

Upon returning to Japan, he immediately made a name for himself by winning a top prize in a music competition. At Umimaku High School, he earned a spot as a 1st violinist, where his skill rivals that of Hajime.

Academic and Physical Skills

Much like his brother Hajime, Nao struggles with both academics and sports. His upbringing in Germany left him with a particular weakness in reading and writing Japanese. He often requires help with complex kanji characters.

Hajime Aono

Hajime is Nao's classmate, rival in the 1st violin section, and, most importantly, his older half-brother. Their dynamic is initially defined by an intense musical rivalry, as they constantly push each other to improve.

Nao long concealed their shared heritage out of guilt, but their bond deepens significantly after he finally confesses. A raw, emotional fight allows them to clear the air, leading to a genuine, heartfelt acceptance of one another as brothers.

Ryuuji Aono

Ryuuji is Nao's biological father. His past affair with Nao's mother is the source of the scandal that haunts both Nao and the Aono family.

He is voiced by actor Shinba Tsuchiya.

As a returnee from Germany, he often relies on Hajime to write the phonetic readings (furigana) above kanji characters he can't read during their supplementary lessons.

Early Life and the Scandal

Nao was born in Germany to a soprano singer and the violinist Ryuuji Aono. He began playing the violin at age four and lived abroad until he was 12.

He moved to Japan after his grandfather's death, harboring a quiet hope of one day meeting his half-brother. However, this hope was crushed when the media exposed his parents' past affair, triggering a scandal that tore the Aono family apart. Nao came to believe his existence was the cause of all this pain, leading to deep feelings of guilt.

High School and Rivalry with Hajime

Nao entered Umimaku High School through a recommendation and joined its prestigious orchestra. During the entrance test, he competed directly against Hajime in an ensemble piece, sparking their rivalry.

They both landed in the 1st violin section, where they constantly vied for the top spot. All the while, Nao planned to tell Hajime the truth about their connection but could never find the right moment or the courage to do so.

The Confession and Reconciliation

The turning point came when Hajime's mother collapsed and was hospitalized. Amidst the chaos and emotional distress, Nao finally confessed that he was Hajime's half-brother.

The revelation led to a heated argument where they both unleashed their pent-up frustrations and true feelings. This painful but necessary confrontation allowed them to break down the walls between them and truly accept each other as family.

Nao's character is associated with the complex tag of "Perpetrator's Family" in relation to the Aono family's tragedy.

However, since he was a child with no involvement in his parents' actions and suffered immense emotional damage from the fallout, he can equally be seen as a "Victim's Family," highlighting the tragic duality of his position.